Narmada calling: 135-km trail for eco-explorers
(SOU) — will cater to both serious athletes and laid-back walkers seeking a natural escape.
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The route will meander through the scenic back country and include support utilities every few kilometres.
Officials are banking on the Statue of Unity's popularity to give this ambitious project a global spotlight.
According to officials in the state environment and forest department, the trail will wind through a striking landscape of ravines, hills, and riverine plains. "It will be built along natural contour lines and will include basic infrastructure like cross-drainage structures, rest points, and utility setups," said an official.
The initial 48-km stretch will run through the Kwant (21km) and Naswadi (27km) talukas of Chhota Udepur district.
" The trail will evolve organically as more people begin to use it. It is not a rigid path, but one shaped by natural usage. Once stabilized, the route will support a variety of nature-based adventure activities — from hiking to ultra-distance trail running," a senior official said, adding that the trail will offer breathtaking views of the Narmada on one side and hills with dense tree cover on the other side.
"The forest department also plans to train local youth as trail guides to enhance the visitor experience with stories about the local ecosystem, flora and fauna, and tribal traditions, said an official involved with the conceptualisation of the project.
The forest department has begun the process of developing basic utilities every few kilometres for nature lovers, hikers, and trail runners. "We are also trying to identify local homestays and other facilities to support trekkers and tourists," said an official.
Officials believe this initiative could transform the route into a new eco-tourism circuit, extending the tourism footprint of the Statue of Unity region.
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